Dogability Dog Training

I would recommend Dogability in Durham to anyone, whether your dog has major issues or simple minor annoyances that you want to correct, or if you would just like them to better follow your commands. We sent our hyperactive, skittish, and not-so-well-mannered dog through their program and the difference is night and day. As someone that has never owned a dog, one of the big benefits is the training I received on how to be a good owner - how to give commands (and punishment) to my dog that wouldn't confuse him and would teach him how he should behave. It's one thing to give your dog to someone and have them train the dog, but to be taught how to maintain that training once you have the dog back is a real value. Plus, the employees clearly love what they do - they are not simply working their for a paycheck - they love the dogs and treat them well. In short, Dogability was well-worth the time and money spent and I would do it again for any other dogs we have and I would recommend it to anyone.

Dogability Durham has been the perfect fit for training our puppy Bosco. We adopted Bosco as a 6 month puppy in September 2013. We did the reward based training at Pet Smart and that worked to a certain degree but if out of treats we were out of luck. The worse behaviors were the constant jumping up on us and lunging towards other people and dogs on our walks. Like it or not, Bosco’s behaviors came out of wanting to greet and receive affection but because of his size and strength his efforts to greet and be affectionate were not welcome. I invited Juan to meet my dog and explain his methods of training. After spending over an hour with Bosco he could honestly say that Bosco would benefit from a 4-6 week training session. This included 4 training sessions with our family and Bosco towards the end of the session so we could learn the commands and techniques. I was nervous about that part since reward based training fizzled in our household but Juan has made it very easy to continue Bosco’s success. Over the 6 week period he uncovered the 2 best ways to reward and positively encourage good behavior. The KEY, however, and what Juan explains in his sessions with the family is that we also have to inhibit the bad behavior. Juan was very patient with my family (including my very inquisitive 8 year old son). We all had the opportunities to practice the techniques with Bosco under Juan’s guidance. It is obvious to all of us that Bosco is happiest understanding what is expected of him and that he truly wants to please his family. WE are ecstatic to have this amazing dog!

Juan Galvis offers an incredible training program at Dogability. His programs meet all the criteria for excellence. He and his head trainer Gene use research-based methods and behavior analysis techniques to train the dogs and their owners. Juan and Gene are both extremely knowledgeable and talented, and the results did all the talking: my dog made leaps and bounds during the month he was in training and the outcomes have carried over into my dog's life back at home. I couldn't be happier with the results. Moreover, it was clear that my dog loved and respected both of them. I drove all the way from New Hampshire just for this training, and I am 100% satisfied with the experience.

We sent our puppy to Juan's two week puppy training course. Prior to the course she was playing rough with our older dog, playfully nipping at our kids and was far from potty trained despite our efforts. Juan and his team completely transformed our dog. We picked her up January 3rd and she has only had three potty accidents which were our fault. She responds to our verbal commands taught to us by Juan. He also taught us how to discipline the correct way and trust me it is very effective. We have been given the tools to build her confidence and really make her a joy to have as a part of our family. We are so impressed with the transformation of the two week puppy course that we are going to put her in the four week obedience training over the summer. I highly recommend Juan and his capable staff. This facility has a true love for animals and it shows in their care.